Chicken & Egg....

[Lee]

Can I ask, when someone places an order of say, 50 mugs or 50 anything.....do you guys take payment first, otherwsie if they don't pay chances are the items are wasted - especially if personalised... or do you take 50% up front.... any tips please?

Thankyou!

[jennywren]

I always get them to put down 50% of the money. If they don't come back at least you have covered something of your costs

[JSR]

I work on a basis of payment upfront. I have neither the resources to chase them up for late payments later, nor do I have the spare finances in the event that they default on payment. Regular customers get a little bit of leeway, but not much.

I do always send an approval mug first, however, to give opportunity to cancel before I start printing.

It's a whole lot more difficult to get money out of people *after* you've done the work than it is before you've done it.

[Lee]

Thank you both! I like the idea of sending a sample first I think I'll sound them out for payment up front but if it doesnt seem to go down well, I'll settle for 50%, at least the cost of the stock will be covered
Thanks both!

[jennywren]

i should have said but I do a sample mug before any money is taken, that way there is no confusing on what was agreed, I also send a email with the design, with png copyright written across thanking them for the order and clarify what we agreed on final payment and amount.

[Lee]

Thanks Jen - whats PNG btw?

[Paul]

Thanks Jen - whats PNG btw?

Portable Network Graphics


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portable_Network_Graphics

[Lee]

ahhh, as in file extension! Thought it was something else!!!!

[jennywren]

Its what I print on all art that is sent, so they cannot give it to some else who might be cheaper. I put it big and bold, as they should already have a clear image on the mug

[Lee]

Thanks Jen